The Gentlemen’s Guide to Shopping on Savile Row

By Staff Writer

Tuesday 17th December 2019

You are probably aware of Savile Row’s notoriety as the unsurpassed destination for bespoke gentlemen’s tailoring and clothing. However, it can be daunting planning a trip to Savile Row for the first time, due to the sheer amount of excellent shops. Which stores are the best to visit? Which store best suits your personal style? Have a look through our guide below to alleviate some of the confusion which you may have, and make the most of your visit to this prestigious shopping destination.

Gieves & Hawkes

1 Savile Row

Gieves & Hawkes, Savile Row

Traditional bespoke suits. Some made-to-measure and ready-to-wear options.

Established in 1771 and therefore one of the oldest bespoke tailors in the world, a visit to Gieves & Hawkes is a very special experience. Nearly 250 years of business means the expert tailors and staff are extremely knowledgeable, knowing how to create perfectly tailored suits of impeccable quality. The making of each bespoke suit takes a minimum of 3 fittings and around 12 weeks for the first order. The tailors will also take into account your lifestyle, your personality and personal tastes, thus creating a suit which is truly unique to you. If you don’t have the time for the bespoke service, then have a browse through their made-to-measure and ready-to-wear options. Gieves & Hawkes also sell clothes other than suits and accessories including shoes and belts.

Henry Poole & Co.

15 Savile Row

Henry Poole & Co, Savile Row

Expertly crafted bespoke suits. Sometimes known as the ‘founding’ tailor of Savile Row.

Founded in 1802, Henry Poole & Co. has a rich and extensive history serving many members of various royal families and aristocracy. They have even been credited with designing and creating the first modern style dinner jacket for the Prince of Wales in 1860. In their bespoke service, each customer is assigned a personal tailor, who will sit down with you for a fabric consultation prior to measurements being taken. The expert tailors will then painstakingly adjust the pattern of the fabric so that the finished suit emphasises and flatters the natural shape and posture of your body. No detail is too big or too small for Henry Poole & Co.

Huntsman

11 Savile Row

Huntsman, Savile Row

Bespoke suits with a sporting heritage. Famous for their signature ‘house tweeds’.

Huntsman have been providing bespoke tailoring since 1849. Originally, they solely created garments for the hunting and riding members of the aristocracy and royalty. In the 20th Century, they began to branch out into creating military dress uniforms during the First World War for Officers, alongside making bespoke suits for everyday wear. You can still feel the sense of sporting and military heritage in their collections today, with equestrian and hunting clothing still a popular option for many customers. Huntsman are also famous for their bold and colourful house tweeds – these are produced annually in the family mill located on the Inner Hebrides, and can be used to make any bespoke suit.

Richard James

29 Savile Row

Richard James, Savile Row

A modern-take on traditional bespoke tailoring. Made-to-measure and ready-to-wear also available.

Having appeared on Savile Row in 1992, Richard James is one of the most recent additions to the street. Their bespoke suits are impeccably crafted, with contemporary styling and details aimed at the fashion-forward gentleman. During the bespoke suit consultation, you are truly encouraged to participate in all aspects of the design process. Richard James chooses to push the boundaries of classic styling, by experimenting with bold colour, patterns and new fabrics. The fit and line of their suits are slightly longer and wider to differentiate them from their traditional counterparts. If you would prefer, you can purchase made-to-measure and ready-to-wear clothing instead – all garments are of the same beautiful quality.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some useful insight into some of the stores on Savile Row, and the individual characteristics of each. This list is certainly not exhaustive, and there are many other fantastic tailors along Savile Row – be sure to check our website for a fully comprehensive list.